let this coming year...

Let this coming year be better than all the others. Vow to do some of the things you've always wanted to do but couldn't find the time. Call up a forgotten friend. Drop an old grudge, and replace it with some pleasant memories. Vow not to make a promise you don't think you can keep. Walk tall, and smile more. You'll look ten years younger. Don't be afraid to say, 'I love you'. Say it again. They are the sweetest words in the world.

summer/spring shoes, color blocking, wedges and heels

Add Style with your shoes! options on shoes color, style, shape and heels to dress up any outfit and to create style!

Dressing for work as a +size

There are some fashion faux-pas that all women need to avoid in dressing--looking bigger than we are or choosing colors that don't match our skin tones are some basics. Dressing for a size 16+ is no different, but in case you want a few tips on how to shop for your size 16 body, learning the most flattering styles and clothes is a great start to transforming your look and your wardrobe.

Learn how to dress a  + size

• Choose fabrics that compliment your body. Light flowing fabrics like silk, and non-clinging fabrics like basic wool and lightweight knit fabrics are a great choice, while bulky stiff fabrics or stretch Lycra fabrics tend to be unflattering. Most natural fabrics are also a great choice.

• Buy the right size and fit. While it is often tempting to shop down a size to encourage ourselves to diet or exercise, buying the proper size for your current self can make the difference between a stunning outfit and a fashion blunder. Always try on your clothes and if you feel you will get the best fit for your body by going up or down a size, do so. You can always tailor down from a larger size to fit your body perfectly.

• Wear the right undergarments. Wearing a great bra or panty can make all the difference in the fit of your clothes. This means that great dressing starts from the basics up; your bras should fit you well and the proper fitting panty will keep you from getting those lines that all women dread showing through their clothing from their undergarments. Having a good slip in your wardrobe is also a great idea.
  
  Highlight your assets. With all fashion, the goal should be to draw the eye to the areas we choose to highlight. If you love your waist or your legs, choose fabrics and clothing that will attract attention there. That means adding a belt, to show your curves, or wearing a nice calf length skirt to show off your legs. Patterns can be a great way to do this as well. Vertical lines are always slimming, but diagonal patterns and designs will do the trick just as well

• Make a clean line by wearing one color. Though monochrome style isn't always the most fun, remember that black isn't the only way to go. However bright or light you want to wear your outfit, a simple long dress or pantsuit is a great way to give a clean silhouette and compliments every figure

Men's Fashion

Tips how to look taller and thinner

 

man image

MEN: To Look Taller and Thinner

• Wear clothes that fit well (too tight or too loose clothes add pounds).
• Wear solid colors, preferably in the same color range, from head to toe.
• Avoid stiff fabrics and nubby textures.
• Wear darker tones in smooth fabrics with flat finishes.
• Limit stripes to very fine, subdued, and close-together versions.
• Wear two-button jackets with natural shoulders.
• Wear trousers with vertical pockets, which are more slenderizing than slanted pockets.
• Wear trousers at the natural waist (never below)
• Wear hemmed, not cuffed, trousers.
• Wear classic-length jackets, preferably without vests.
• Avoid too many accessories.
• Be sure your tie touches the waistband and that it is medium in width.
• Avoid busy patterns.
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Fashion Tips for Men

I’ve come up with a list of quick fashion checklist. use it to determine just how much you know about how to dress. Chances are there are at least a few of them you don’t know.

#1 Do NOT wear socks with sandals
I can’t tell you how many time I’ve seen this happen. Socks with sandals is a BIG no-no. Sandals are to be worn in the summer, when the temperatures are high. You won’t need socks at all.

#2 Try before you buy
Never Buy clothes or accessories before you see how they look on you. While it’s hard to find something that fits you perfectly, do try on as many clothes as possible before you find what you want.

#3 Invest in a good suit
Even if you’re not the formal type of guy, you should have your own suit for special occasions. You can’t go in jeans at a wedding or at a formal dinner. make sure you get a good wool or cotton suit that will last you for years. Choose a good color, take it to the tailors for adjustment and get a shirt or two to match it.

#4 Wear color
Regardless of your age, do spice up your outfits with a little color. It’s a great way to stand out from the crowd and show everyone your fashion sense.

#5 Don’t be a fashion victim
When you buy something new, make sure it’s something you really need. Don’t fall victim to those commercials that dictate to you what you should get. Instead, think of the image you want to project and buy clothes that show your personality.

#6 Don’t ignore your skin
While most of us take facial care for granted, you might be surprised to notice a real difference in your skin if you only took care of it. Exfoliate, shave, tone and moisturize; you’ll increase your attractiveness with a cleaner, better looking face.

#7 Don’t be cheap when it comes to shoes
A good pair of shoes can last you a long time as long as you know how to take good care of them. A cheap pair of shoes will quickly fall apart. Only buy quality shoes and think of them as an investment. Wear them by rotation each day and clean them regularly to have them last you for years.

#8 Work on your fashion sense
No matter how old we are, we will never know everything. Your fashion sense is like a muscle. it needs to be constantly be worked out.

#9 Don’t be afraid to wear accessories
If you’re going for a more mature look, go for scarves,pocket squares and watches.

#10 Try new things
As you grow older, your fashion sense changes. This is actually a great opportunity for you to do some variations in your style. A new accessory or a new color are always great places to start. Get out of your comfort zone and do it.

#11 Don’t unbutton your shirt too much
I’ve seen plenty of guys showing their chest hair in public places. Unless you happen to be an experienced bodybuilder, this will never look good…. unless you’re on the beach. There’s a fine line between sexy and obnoxious so make sure you don’t cross it.

#12 Always iron your clothes
This is one of those things only other people notice. We never notice our own wrinkled clothes. Make it a habit to always take one last look in the mirror before you leave the house. Look for wrinkles, stains or anything that looks suspicious.

#13 Do mix formal with casual
I do this all the time and I love it. I wear a sports jacket with jeans and a pocket square, a tie with a polo shirt and so on. Intriguing clothes combinations make you an intriguing person.

#14 Get a good haircut
Go to a hair stylist and figure out  what would look good on you. Then give it a try and don’t forget to change your haircut very so often.

Dress for corporate Success

Do's and Don'ts when followingTrends

Today’s women want to look good and trendy at any age. With greater job opportunities, higher disposable income and constant exposure to the latest fashion and beauty trends, women today are certainly wanting to be more savvy in their overall visual presentation. However, the desire to be “IN” may actually become your worst nightmare when you cannot keep up with fashion’s notorious fickleness and end up looking so “last year”! Fashion comes and goes in hyper speed; sometimes a hot fad may fizzle out in a matter of months. To avoid looking like a fashion victim, here are some general guidelines:

1. Do invest in timeless items such as tank tops, jeans, well-cut blazers and little black dresses. You cannot go wrong with these classic pieces. Buy them in neutral solid colours for easy coordination with other trendier pieces.

2. Do opt for a natural sheer look be it your make-up, nail polish or hairdo. If you are in the creative field, you can be more adventurous with your style, otherwise a sun-kissed matte look always project a sharper and polished image. If you want to experiment with bold colour make-up, go for a matte instead of glossy finishing for work.
3. Do update your wardrobe in small doses. For example, trendy accessories such as a bright colour handbag, patterned tights in neutral colours or laced-up booties will add instant wow into your core wardrobe without having to spend too much.

4. Do wear your hair in a neat and light style. Frizzy or flyaway hair can be kept in control with the use of hair products or accessories. Long hair should be sleek and tidy; wear it in a chignon style or low ponytail for an elegant day-to-day look.
5. Do wear trendy fashion because you really like them and not for insecurity reasons. You do not have to be togged in trends from top to toe to look good and feel belonged. Inner beauty triumphs over fashion at the end of the day. Eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly, think positively and cultivate friendships. As designer Kenneth Cole says "To be aware is more important than what you wear."

• Don’t bet on exaggerated styles, cuts and colours to stay for long e.g. acid wash jeans, big shoulder pads, micro minis, neon colours and military jackets. These styles are not only difficult to pull off but they will fade away by this time next year. 
• Don’t wear flip-flops in and out of the office. It does not matter if they are branded, fashionable or ultra comfortable. A slipper is a slipper and it has no place in the corporate world. It instantly diminishes your credibility at work.
• Don’t wear bright make-up to work. Blue eyelids were hot in the 1980’s and are making a comeback but unless you work in a beauty industry, I would recommend that you choose a softer blue palette for the board room.
• Don’t overdo in the accessories department. Big bold accessories may be the trend now, but wearing oversize necklaces or rings will be distracting for the office. You will want your boss, co-workers and clients to focus on your sales pitch or presentation rather than your fashion statement.
• Don’t wear leggings to work no matter how casual your office is. Leggings will continue to be a strong trend but that doesn’t mean it should become your office wardrobe staple. Remember you will want to stand out in the crowd and not be one of the crowd to get that promotion.

Make up for all Skin Types

Depending on your skin tone, the make-up you choose will need to flatter your face and hair. If you apply the wrong colors, you're not doing yourself a favor -- and you can look all washed out, or overdone. Play up your features with the best make-up colors, tints and hues for your skin tone.

Make-up for Fair Skin

If you're fair-skinned, sheer colors look best on you. Apply light earth tones and soft pastels, such as blue and lavender to accent your eyes.
Various shades of pink will look good on your eyes, cheeks and lips. Keep your mascara to brown or brown/black. Light, sheer lipstick adds a finishing touch. Peach is always a good choice for our fair-skinned friends, it looks natural and compliments blonde hair.

Medium Toned Skin

Your warmer completion gives you many options for a fabulous makeover. Being "in-between" does have it's benefits. Deep matte earth tones and jewel colors such as hunter green, dark grey, beige and brown will accent your eyes. Coral and plumb colors work good to accentuate your cheekbones.
Experiment with your lip color. Your skin tone is very versatile and if you're brunette, anything from pink to red will look great on you. Top it off with lip gloss for extra staying power. Bronzing powder dusted over your forehead, nose and cheeks will give you the ultimate sun-kissed look.

Makeup for Dark Skin

You may need a heavier hand when applying make-up to dark skin -- but you need to choose the right shades. For eye shadow, gray, brown and natural shades will compliment your eyes. Also try shimmer colors such as silver, bronze, and terra-cotta. Experiment with mascara colors such as navy and dark purple.
For blush, more pigment for darker skin is a must. Deep rose and apricot shades highlight your cheekbones beautifully. Sometimes a bronze highlighter does the trick. Stay away from anything with a strong orange base as this will not flatter your skin.
Dark lip color such as apricot, blackberry, caramel and red will compliment your lips.

Olive and Ethnic Skin Tones

With your darker skin tone, neutral shades as well as dark purple and blue will look great on your eyes. Metallic colors also look remarkable, as long as the shades remain darker.
Highlight your cheekbones with bronzing powder, dark plum, chestnut, or terra-cotta blush. Keep the tones natural and avoid anything too light.
Lipstick shades that will bring out your lips are berry, plum, russet, or almond. Avoid "true" reds, they will clash with your skin tone.




"Natural makeup looks are always in style!"

The natural look is a makeup style that's always in fashion. It plays upon your best features and makes you look as nature intended – Only Better! Everyone should be able to create this style and fortunately it's easy to do if you know a few simple makeup tips that makeup artists use.

1. Apply moisturizer to face first, let dry then apply foundation with a sponge or brush. Make sure to not lather on you only want a bit of coverage. Then Apply a light powder over face.
2. Then you will want to use a natural tone eye cream shadow on eyes. Light browns work very well with this. You will want to apply from lash line upward, then you will want to apply a little bit darker shadow on your lower lid but very light careful to not over do it. After this apply the mascara of your choice. If you want to make eye seem more open and bright line lightly with a white eyeliner pencil.
3. Next you will want to apply a dewy blush color like a light, soft pink to your cheeks to create a little bit of a glow. Not too much though because you want it to be very subtle.
4. Last apply a clear or light pink shade of lip gloss over lips to give a bit of color.

A guideline on Sale Shopping!

With some of the biggest shopping discounts of the year up for grabs, it's hard not to get carried away with the idea of the sales. However the reality of overcrowded high streets, flocks of bargain hunters and unorganized sale rails are a force to be reckoned with. Follow these tips on sale shopping.

Make a Plan
Pay a visit to your local high street in advance of the sales and plan which stores you want to visit. You'll be more familiar with the shop layout and know where to locate your dream items.

Dress Comfortably
Darting in and out of changing rooms, traipsing around your local shopping centre and waiting in endless queues is a tiring business. Wear comfortable flat shoes which can accommodate hot, swollen feet, and clothes that you can easily change out of so you don't waste valuable time in the changing rooms.

Know your Body Shape
The first step to successful clothes shopping in the sales is knowing your body shape. That way you'll know which clothes show off your best bits, making you feel confident about your style all the time. Stick to the body shape rules and you'll never make a rash sales purchase again.  Pay attention to the balance of your figure and proportions. For example, ideal top length is just below your belt. Short jacket looks great with jeans, shirt or t-shirt. Cropped pants should finish at the widest part of your ankle and will look good with high heels, flats or ankle boots.

Stay Classic if you dont know your Style Personality
The sales are not the time to experiment with new fashion ideas. Those gold lame harem pants have 70% off for a reason: no one will be wearing them next year. This sale season stick to wardrobe staples such as a nice dress or a classic jacket  - a much savvier sale purchase.
Classic pieces worth investing into:
- Trench coat
- Leather jacket
- Little black dress
- Jacket in Chanel style
- Neutral colored shirts and t-shirts
Read more about it http://coffeewithpensy.blogspot.com/2011/07/discover-your-style-personality.html

Play with color!
It’s elusive to think that if you fill up your closet with pieces of total black color you’ll have versatile wardrobe. You need color to splash to avoid looking like you’re at the office all the time. There are a couple of ways you can change your style using colors. For instance, a bright t-shirt seen from a V-sweater or a cardigan, loud accessories with a classic suit or a simple dress – will look appropriate both at work and at the party.

Double Up
We all know how difficult it can be to find that perfect pair of jeans. If you happen to stumble upon jean heaven during the sales, it's worth buying two pairs. Save one for when the first are starting to wear out - you'll thank yourself in months to come. Make sure your jeans finish just 5mm over the bottom of the heel.

Try Before You Buy
Although long queues for changing rooms can be off-putting, it's worth trying clothes on before you buy. Always ask if more sizes are available, and check garments for dodgy zips, snags and missing buttons before you hand over your cash.

Check the Returns Policy
Many shops only offer an exchange on sale items. Make sure you're entirely happy with your purchase - or are willing to buy something else from that store - before you buy.

Make your imagination fly
If you have an item that you like very much but it just doesn’t fit in your look don’t hurry to put it away. Think for a minute and make necessary corrections. Experiment with belts because they can change the silhouette. Don’t forget about brooches, scarves, kerchiefs and other stuff. Buy transformer things, look at street style of other people, and runway looks. The livelier your wardrobe is the better.

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Evening Dresses for Teens

Teens wear special dresses for occasions such as proms, formal parties and weddings. Designers target teenage girls with trendy fashions, textures and colors. When a teen shops for an evening dress, she should take into account her body type and choose a dress to flatter her shape. Today's flirty styles, interesting details and variety of fabrics give young girls many options.

1. Fabric

   • Chiffon is a popular choice of fabric for teen evening dresses, according to Bridgette Raes, New York image and style expert. It is a delicate, translucent material that suits this age group. Lightweight fabrics are okay to wear in cooler weather, but teens should also consider velvets and heavier jacquard options. Bolder teenage girls may prefer shiny knits or fabric with sheen.

   Color

   • Raes says it is all about bright colors for today's teenage girls. Some of the popular evening dress shades for this age group are vibrant purple, royal blue, red, jade green and even bright yellow. Teens usually avoid the black cocktail dresses that are popular with adult women. When teens wear neutrals, they are typically extreme hues in grey, gold and soft "makeup" colors such as blush. Florals and prints are once again popular with teens (at the time of writing in 2011).

   Trends

   • Interesting straps take center stage on many of today's simple, elegant evening dresses for teens, according to Raes. Embellishments and jewels such as rhinestones adorn the straps. Teenage girls often want to show off their tan by wearing dresses with open back. The strap attachments create a point of interest. When teens choose shorter dresses, they typically have interesting bottom details, including flutter hems and ruffled flounce skirts. Layers of material such as tulle add bounce underneath the skirt.

   Length

   • Raes says girls under 16 should steer clear of long gowns. She suggests tea length for that age group -- below the knee and above the ankle. Older teens can wear longer dresses, especially to proms. They should be free flowing, simple styles that do not look like ball gowns.

   Shape

   • Teenage girls want to reflect the latest trends, but Raes says they should also consider body type. If you are a teen with curves, you need to choose a style that shows off your waist, such as the empire dresses. The garment should float away from the body.
     Many teenagers have slender frames or are thick in the middle, and a fluid silhouette looks best on them. Although halter dresses are popular with young girls, pear-shaped teenagers should avoid them. Pear-shaped figures need wider necklines and substantial straps to draw the eyes outward and balance out their larger hip and thigh areas.

Read more: Evening Dresses for Teens | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/info_8471961_evening-dresses-teens.html#ixzz1fcFsAFcz

This Christmas wear the right dress for your Body Shape!

Christmas is round the corner! Everyone of us want to look our best on this special season! We can sure look our best just by choosing clothing that flatters our body shape. 

Clothing Tips for Your Body Shape 

The first and the foremost thing to do is determining your Body Shape.  

Apple Shape: if you have upper body larger than your lower body and weight gain tends to happen around the waistline, emphasize lesser on waist and broad shoulders. Go for dresses that are shaped but not tight. V-neck will give you more elongated look. Cinched waists or wrap tops and belted or nipped waist jackets will give illusion of a smaller waist. Skirts, fitted at the top and flaring at the hemline will balance the top and the bottom.
Don't wear boxy blazers that make waist and rest of the body appear bigger. Instead, wear single-breasted fitted blazer after ensuring that it defines the waist but is loose enough in the chest to make you comfortable.


Pear Shape: if you have a smaller upper body and weighty hips, thighs, and legs, bring attention to the upper half of your body. Go for wider necklines like bateau, squared, or cowl necks. Jackets that fall just above the hip are better than longer ones. Vertical patterns on the lower half will give slim appearance. Wear dark colors, that don't shine, on the bottom half and lighter colors on top. A full skirt with defined waist or a full, pleated knee-length skirt will conceal a wide hip and if paired with strapless cut dress, it will highlight your smaller upper half. A funnel shaped coat with buttons on the top half or with a belt will bring attention to the waist.
Don't wear clingy skirts that highlight hips, or empire waist dresses which hides the waistline. Instead go for A-line skirt or wrap dress that will accentuate your upper half.


Hourglass Shape: if you have a defined waist and curvy upper and lower body, try to draw attention to your narrow waist, or de-emphasize breasts and hips to give impression of a longer, leaner look. Waist-defining belted garments or wrap dresses, apparels with cinched waists, high raised pants and skirts, fitted skirts and dresses, all will bring out your curves. For elongated look, go for v-necks, monochromatic colors, thin and lightweight fabrics, single buttoned jackets, or empire-waist dresses.
Don't wear tight, wide-cut pants that make the bottom appear wider. Instead wear wide legged trouser which is full but not flared.


Rectangle Shape: if you have fewer defined curves and your waist, hips & breast measurements are similar to each other, try to create illusion of curves. Scoop or v-neck tops, jackets having defined waists or flaring out from the waist, tops and blouses having details around the chest area for giving shape, draping dresses having patterns on them, halter tops, gathering and pleating on sleeves and waist, Skinny jeans hugging the hips, all will help you in creating curves. Trims such as lace, beads and waist-defining belts over shirts, cardigans, coats, etc. will also help you in your task.
Don't wear bright metallic tops to avoid attention on large chest. Don't go for white belt, instead wear dark brown one and avoid horizontal stripes that tend to make anything look wider. Try monochromatic tops and bottoms that give taller and leaner look.
The most important tip is that of accepting your natural body shape and accentuating your unique beauty by experimenting with fabrics, colors, and styles!